Each year our Christmas wish is for peace throughout the world. We also long for the ability to view Christmas and the holidays through a child’s eyes. As one reads through the Letters to Santa in last week’s issue (before they were forwarded to the North Pole), you could just about recapture what a magical time it truly is.

Many of us forget just what Christmas time is about, or at least what it should be about. We get so caught up in the rush of trying to get everyone gifts that even taking the opportunity for a few minutes to think about the reason for the holidays can be missed.

While we’re not against presents by any means – they can be a great part of the holidays, especially for the kids. And, if you’re lucky enough to have children or grandchildren around you know what we mean. The delight in a child’s eyes as they tear open their presents or look in wonder at holiday decorations are memories that last a lifetime.

This Christmas we again ask that you step back from all the commercialism and remember that Christmas represents the birth of Jesus Christ. While peace on earth should be something we strive for year around, this is the perfect time for anyone, Christian or not, religious or not, to reflect on the good of mankind and the ongoing struggle for peace on earth. A time to consider what we can personally do to help achieve that goal in our neighborhoods and communities.

This Christmas many families around the country are receiving one of the best presents they could ask for as troops continue to come home from Afghanistan. Let’s pray all our troops remain safe as they go about protecting our freedoms at home and abroad.

While not everyone is religious, or even celebrates Christmas, I hope no one gets offended when we wish them Merry Christmas. Personally I’ve been known to mix it up with Happy Holidays this time of year. I have Jewish friends and had a few Muslim friends in college, so wishing everyone the best at this time of year just makes sense – especially for a country where Freedom of Religion remains one of the pillars it was founded on.

So, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan or something else, we at the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune wish you peace this holiday season.